Slit seeding
Subject to adequate temperature, moisture is the single most
important element needed for germination.
By cutting a slit in the ground a natural moisture trap is produced
so that seed germination is maximised and the young seedling
is sheltered whilst it anchors its roots directly into the soil so
minimising losses as grazing commences.
If a slit is cut too deep the seedling can fail as it will run out of
energy and if cut too shallow then it can lose out on the
advantages of the slit, therefore good depth control is essential.
Sports fields apart, grass fields are undulating so depth control
is more difficult. Most drills have a sprung loaded system to help
cope with undulations. However the download pressures needed
or a grass drill to do its job reduces the flexibility of these
devices and can severely compromise depth control where there
are ground contours as all the weight can be concentrated over
several coulters.
Auto contour
With auto contour a secondary suspension system is incorporated to increase flexibility.
The drill frames are partitioned into 1m sections and the download
is applied to each by a hydraulic ram. The rams are linked to
each other so download per frame equalises despite undulations.
This is seen by the changing ram positions as the machine goes
down the field and proven by the consistency of the cuts.
Specifications
The in cab control box displays feed rate, forward speed, area covered and monitors the drill to optimise performance.
The transparent head cap can be seen from the operators seat allowing seed flow to be observed.
18/24 boron disk coulter with tungsten carbide tipped coulter (160/125mm spacing).
Electric fan distributed through to external central distribution unit.
A 300L hopper is accessed from the load platform & the unit is very simple to calibrate.
Tractors from 100hp.
Weight frames to suit popular tractor weights.
14" rear roller gives depth control and tidy finish.
Forward speed and metering output are taken off the roller by a well protected sensor picking up bolts on the inside plate of the roller.
Options
Sprung loaded eradicators
Larger hopper
Hydraulic fan
Farmflex roller
Bout markers
Over the past few years costs have been rising for all inputs. Economics dictate that grass swards must be productive so reseeding and stitching of existing swards is of great importance.
Erth Panbuster Subsoiler - a flexible subsoiler perfect for improving aeration and drainage - high finish - low horsepower.
Soil is comprised of mineral or organic soil particles with spaces called “pore space”. This space contains varying amounts of air and water depending on soil type and conditions. The ratio of particle to pore space would ideally be 50:50 in natural un-compacted friable soils.
However for most soils the reality is very different. The demands of grazing and the regular use of machinery, often in wet and highly unfavourable conditions, is very destructive to soil structure and results in the condition described as compaction.
Compaction starts at the surface and builds progressively throughout the soil profile often to considerable depths preventing water penetration and the movement and up-take of all essential elements. As the soil particles pack closer and closer together pore space is eliminated and the soil is devoid of air and water, thus denying grass plants the “essentials of life”.
An appropriate aeration program can increase worm population and activity, and transform shallow rooting to deep rooting. This in turn will increase pasture growth. The overall soil structure will be more free draining which will improve plant production in the wet and the increased root depth will improve grass production in dry conditions. Independent tests have shown an average dry matter increase of over 20% in a fifteen month period.
Grass Subsoiler Features
Sprung loaded disks cut a neat slot through the sod.
Low lift point lifts the soil structure evenly across the profile giving good lift with minimal soil disruption.
Hydraulic auto-reset for reliable performance and maximum output. Allows break-back pressure to be varied to suit conditions.
Rubber mounted main pivot (patent pending) allows the leg to oscillate sideways round obstacles increasing protection further.
Reset trips up and back to minimise stress and prevent stones rising to the surface.
Smooth roller c/w hydraulic depth adjustment levels the surface and closes the slot for a perfect finish.
Also gives positive depth control and improved traction.
Grass Subsoiler Options
Sizes: 3-leg, 4-leg, 3 / 4 leg combi or 5-leg 3m machine.
Soft drive on rear roller.
Various leg options.
Steel toothed packer.
Longer side arms.
Extendable side arms allow transportation on standard trailer (width reduced to 7 feet).